OBJECTIVETo evaluate the status of complementary feeding frequency (CFF) for infants and young children in southwestern China.

METHODSA total of 3644 infants and young children aged 6 - 24 months from urban and rural areas of Chengdu, Kunming and Guiyang were selected by stratified random cluster sampling from March to June in 2011. Data of CFF in the recent one month were collected through the questionnaires, and assessed quantitatively by a new comprehensive evaluation system. Level and distribution characteristics of CFF for infants and young children among different month groups in urban and rural areas were analyzed.

RESULTSAverage CFF score was 8.1 ± 3.1, and the score for all was 54.1% of total score (15 points). The average score of urban and rural groups was 8.9 ± 3.0 (59.3% of total score) and 7.4 ± 3.0 (49.1% of total score) respectively (t = 15.60, P < 0.05). Ratio of ≥ 80.0% of total CFF score was 12.2% (443/3644) for all. The rate of urban and rural group was 18.0% (324/1796) and 6.4% (119/1848) respectively (χ(2) = 136.64, P < 0.05). Average CFF score in 6 - 8, 9 - 11 and 12 - 24 months groups was 7.0 ± 2.9 (46.4% of total score), 8.1 ± 3.0 (54.1% of total score) and 9.0 ± 3.0 (60.1% of total score) respectively (F = 148.27, P < 0.05). The CFF score increased with months growing.

CONCLUSIONStatus of CFF for infants and young children in southwestern China is generally inadequate, with differences between urban and rural groups. This problem is more serious in early month infants and rural areas and should be emphasized and improved.